Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Thanks to RTÉ this morning, we have been told the report of the Future of Media Commission, which was set up by the Government in September 2020, will come before Cabinet today. That is good. It links into the conversation about the media. The commission's remit was to examine Ireland's public service broadcasters, commercial broadcasters, print and online media platforms. I ask the Leader that we have a debate on that some time in the next term. The delivery and funding of public service media, including RTÉ's role and financing structures based on best international practice are among the issues the commission is expected to have addressed and made recommendations on. There is some suggestion that there may be another subcommittee or commission to look at further work. That was mentioned on the radio today.

As we come to the end of this session and go into the summer recess, I am conscious of the fact that the public interest is served well by journalists. It is important that journalism is secured, supported and sustained in its work. Quality journalism allows viewers and listeners to be informed of their decisions and to know about government and social issues. Print media, including national, provincial and local papers, remains a strong and reliable source of information and these publications are highly valued. I make it my business every week, particularly on a Thursday, to go to the Library here and spend a few hours looking at the provincial press. It is amazing. We have all the provincial papers here in our Library. You see things in print media that you do not quite pick up online. It is a wonderful service and needs to be services. One has to question why we are paying VAT on printed media. All of us recognise the importance of our local and provincial print media so I ask that we look at that issue. The public value all forms of media and communication. Ultimately, members of the public engage with politics and decipher the political and social influences in a debate. Newspapers should have a zero VAT rate in recognition of their unique role in our functioning democracy. Irish newspapers contribute to the social, intellectual and political life of Ireland. We recognise that and we need to support that. They are the prime conveyers of news, views and opinions. They perform a vital role in defending our democracy and our liberty, as well keeping a check on the abuse of power. I am calling for a debate in the House on that matter.

I also acknowledge and thank the political correspondents in Leinster House, who go up and down these corridors every day and communicate our messages. I thank RTÉ, our national broadcaster, independent radio, local and provincial radio, the national media and the press, our own Oireachtas press and media staff, our correspondence units, our technicians and our cameramen. They are all critical components of communicating the message from Leinster House. I salute them. I hope that in time we will have an opportunity to discuss the work and recommendations of the commission. It is an important debate and one we should have.